Northside Health Library

Painful swallowing

Definition

Swallowing pain is any pain while swallowing. You may feel it high in the neck or lower down behind the breastbone. It is most often a strong feeling of uncomfortable squeezing and burning. Swallowing pain may be a symptom of a serious disorder.

See also: Swallowing difficulty

Alternative Names

Considerations

Swallowing is a complex act that involves the mouth, throat area, and esophagus (the tube that moves food to the stomach). Many nerves and muscles control how these body parts work. Part of swallowing is voluntary, which means you are aware of controlling the action. However, much of swallowing is involuntary.

Problems at any point -- from chewing food and moving it into the back of the mouth to moving the food into the stomach -- can result in painful swallowing.

Chest pain, the feeling of food stuck in the throat, or heaviness or pressure in the neck or upper chest while eating are often the result of swallowing difficulties.